Five easy steps to creating your perfect capsule wardrobe

Love the idea of a capsule wardrobe but have no idea how to achieve it? Here are five easy steps to get you started.

Does your wardrobe look less ‘capsule’ and more chaos? Love the idea of a pared down closet in which everything fits and suits you, and it’s easy to pick out a stylish outfit that feels like ‘you’ every day? But have no idea how to transform the mess that your wardrobe currently is, into anything vaguely resembling a capsule?

You’re not alone. Despite having a therapeutic purge of our own wardrobes a few years ago, they are in dire need of another clear out. So we asked our fashion editor Karen Skagerlind for help. Here’s her quick five-step guide to creating a capsule wardrobe.

Five easy steps to creating your perfect capsule wardrobe

As well as writing my daily blog, Mums Wear Daily, I run a personal style service for private clients. But, like the cobbler’s children who are always barefoot, my own wardrobe has sadly been neglected of late.

Which is why I’m currently up in the loft clearing out all the clothes I seem to have amassed over the years. As part of the clear out, I’ll be paring my wardrobe back down to that much-desired ‘capsule’ status. Here’s the process I follow to achieve it.

1) Reframe your wardrobe

If you didn’t have any clothes at all (yes, I’m finding it hard to imagine too!) what items would you rush out to buy again? These are your core staples and it’s wise to invest in similar versions of.

2) Take style snaps

Since starting my blog, Mums Wear Daily, over three years ago I’ve taken a LOT of pictures of what I’m wearing. I’ve taken photos in all weathers, of various looks and for a range of events – from the day to day school run, to being a wedding guest and Wimbledon.

It’s a great way to see what suits you (and what doesn’t). And while it’s important to be honest, don’t be too harsh on yourself. If in doubt, ask a stylish friend.

3) Revisit your personal style annually

Over time your priorities change and your style evolves. However sometimes you can get stuck in a rut with what you wear, and making some quality time to reevaluate your wardrobe will help you get excited about what you wear again.

Look at Pinterest boards or through magazines, or identify your style icons; women whose style you admire. What do they put together or how do they layer or accessorise? Challenge yourself to emulate their look.

4) Do a wardrobe cleanse

Now is the perfect time for a wardrobe cleanse as it’s the start of a new season. And be brave. If you haven’t worn an item in the last two years, out it goes! Trust me when I say you won’t regret it. See your wardrobe as prime storage space – if you had to pay would it stay?

5) Study your chuck out pile

Learn from your buying faux pas; look at why you didn’t wear it and make a mental note not to make the same mistake again. It’s amazing how many of us repeat the same error over and over, and those clothes clog up your wardrobe.

Recycle any items damaged or past their best. Use a consignment or dress agency for newly new or unworn designer or high end brands, Ebay if you have the inclination, or ease the guilt of that ‘what a waste of money’ inner voice by donating to charity shops. Remember that one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure!

Ready to tackle your wardrobe?

I hope these tips help you get to a honed, curated and well organised wardrobe. I personally can’t wait to get mine into shape!

If you need more style tips to organise down your wardrobe, take a look at these articles: